Misconceptions About Losing Weight

Weight loss is a subject fraught with myths and misconceptions. It’s very possible that if you ask five people about their views on weight loss, you will get five different answers.

Let us help you separate fact from fiction when it comes to dropping your excess weight:

#1: There is a secret to losing weight.

The “magic pill” formula says that if you take a special pill or drink you’ll lose weight. There is no secret way to lose weight, and there is no required diet or pill. The only secret you need to know is to consume less calories than you burn.

#2: You have to go on a diet.

If you want to set yourself up for long-term weight loss, fad diets are not your best bet. Diets are short-term and usually directed to some specific goal, and they imply there is an end date to the diet.

Instead of dieting, you should look at how you want to eat for the rest of your life, and have a plan for changing your lifestyle. Long-term weight loss is about breaking bad habits and forming good ones. Eat healthy foods and practice proper portion control.

#3: You have to give up your favorite foods.

There’s no reason to make yourself suffer. Don’t abstain from any of the foods you truly love: just eat them sparingly, and use good portion control.

Foods that you ban from your diet may find their way back into your life and ultimately undo any progress you have made toward your target weight.

#4: You can lose weight alone.

Okay, this isn’t really a misconception, because you can lose weight alone. It’s just a lot more fun if you have someone who can join you in the process, and you’ll have a higher chance of success with company.

Doing anything with friends or in a group is a lot more fun than facing it alone. You’ll have people to talk to and laugh with as you recount the challenges you face.

Have you discovered any misconceptions about losing weight? Share them in the comments below!